Die rolling mill for the manufacture of weldless chain



W. B. COWLES. *DlE RQLLING MILL FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF WELDLESS CHAIN.

APPLICATION FILED JULYI51918- I V Patented Oct. 10, 1922' (bu/Zed:

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W. B. COWLES. DIE ROLLING MILL FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF WELDLESS CHAIN.

LAMAM, muted 0@.10,1L922.

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i a citizen of Patented Unit. l0, W22 i "l" nitrite,

T Mat WILLIAM nennu /rcovrnnsos rrrrnnnntrrim, PENNSYLVANIA, assrenon TO DELAWARE. v x

WE LDLESS CHAIN CORPORATION, DOVER, DELA'WARE, .A CORPORATION OF :ornRomans MILL ron'rnn MANUFACTURE or wnrintnsscnarn.

Application filed J'uly 15,

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM B. Cowiins, the United States, residing at @Philadelphia, inthe county'of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Improved Die Rolling Mills for the Manufacture of Weldless Chains; and I do hereby j declare the following to be afull, clear, and

ekactidescription of the invention,such as will enable others skilled in the art to which 1 it appertainsto make and use the same. Mypresent invention relates to improvements in die rolling mills for roll forgings in general, but more especially for rolling weldless chain from afisingle homogeneous:

bar of cruciform cross section.

3 flncidentto the operation of the herein described apparatus this bar is presumed to berolled into cruciform cross section from a single billet into the desired length. in making heavy chain cables such a bar should be long'enough to make a chain cable shot of fathoms, or sincethe bar is elongated somewhat ln 'tlHiPIflCfisS of-rolling, the bar should preferablybe about 65 feet more or less in length; but obviously the'length of thelbar would determine the length of the "corresponding chain produced therefrom. *"Acoorchngto mypresent nvention thlS cruclformbaris fed while hot between the faces of a set of four die rolls placed atright 1 angles to each otlienand the requisite .con-

touris imparted to the bar" as it is drawn This leaves the bar with the chain links throughthe die rolls themselves.

outlined therein, theadjacent links beingat {right angles to each other, but the bar-after passing through the die rolls is left with protruding fins and extrudedmetal, exterior C tetlie links, and with a web on the interior the links,whichi fins, web and extruded metal are removed later on, as fully described in my application entitledAutomatio ftrimming press for manufacturing weldless chain, SerialNo. 245,926, filed July 20,1918,

the final product being shown in my 1 other application entitled -Weldless stud-linkshipcable shot, Serial No. 245,056, filed July 15,1918. 1

v The present invention relates only to the "operation of roll-forgingthecruciform bar -1nto a chain-bar, and the. invention relates 1.91s. Serial No. 245,057.

complishingrthis result. 7

Tl11S apparatus will be more fully particularly to improved apparatusfor acunderstood after referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which similar parts are indicatedby slmilar reference symbols throughout the several views, andin which Figure 1 is a front elevation, Ipartly in section, showing the complete setof die rolls journaled intheir yokes and housing, to-

getherwith the power shafts for driving the same. i a V Figure 2 shows a central. vertical section through Fig.

vatlon. t

Figure 3 is a detail showing aplanofone of the adjustable wedges, the fastening bolts being shown in section along the line 8-3 1, parts being shown in ele- M of Fig. 2 and looking in thedirection'of the arrows. i V Figure 4 is an enlargedside view of one of the die rolls, the upper half of the figure being shown with the bevel gear removed and the bolts for same being shown in section; and

Figure 5 shows a'section along thebroken line 5+510f Fig. 4e, and looking in the direction of thearrows, 1 v i A represents the housing which is preferably; in the form of: a substantially circular casting mounted on the pedestal A7.

'B and B represent the two powerishafts which are drivenwith the same speed, and in reverse directions, by any suitable gearing from any suitablesourcerof power, not shown; i

lhe power shaft 13 provided with a coupling-flange b which is rigidly attached cured on the same hubswith the die rolls C and C Fast on the same hubsare the bevel gears D v and D meshing, respectively, with the bevel gears D and D on thepower shaft B, so that the dierolls G and. C are secured, respectively, on prolongations of the corresponding power shafts B and B; while the die rolls C and C are driven trom both sides by the bevel gearingalready referred to.

By this balanced construction just referred to, any spring in the apparatus to one side or the other as the bar goes through the mill is obviated or equalized, thus preventing any distortion in the form of the chain bar, and

permitting the rolling of a series of links of identlcally the same construction.

A convenient form of arrangement -for journaling the dies rolls C and C is shown in Figs. land 5, in which and E are two halves of a yoke, bolted together to form journal bearings for the short shaft F. On

. this shaft the hub C of the die roll is rigidly held, and secured on this hub is a die roll indicated in Figure 5 as C and also secured to this hub, as by means o1 the bolts G, are the corresponding bevel gears, such as P and D The interior of these bevel gear wheels 18 hollowed, as at D", to form a water chamber surrounding the hub of the die roll, and suitable connecting passages and grooves are i provided for the complete circulation of water, so thatwater isadmitted through the ipe H, see Figure 5, enters the bore f in the hub C", enters the water chamber D passes through the opening f in the hub, and

escapes through the openin f in the huband through the outlet pipe 0 Ti, all as shown in Figure 5. Complete circulation throughout the water chamber is facilitated by the annular grooves d,'shown in Figs. t and In order to assemble the various die rolls ,into the set, and to remove the individual rolls whenever desired, as for purposes o'li repairs, or where it is desired to changethe die rolls for making other sizes or chain, I provide means for removing each yoke with the corresponding die roll and bevel gears. These means also comprise means for varying within narrow limits the relative distances apart of the die rolls. These .means comprise two oppositely-disposed wedges,

but with the screw threads in reverse directions to engage the right and left screw threads is and 71; on the adjusting screw K, which. has .a squared head adapted to be turned by a wrench, and by setting up'or easing off on the adjusting screw K, each individual die'rollmay be moved slightly towards or away tromthe centre 01"? the mill.

The bolts L pass through the base flange of the yoke members E and E, and also through slots 2' in the wedges I and I, and thus firmly hold the yoke to the housing of the mill, but at the same time allow slight play to the wedges.

In order to adjust the wedges, it is necessary to ease up on the bolts L, set the wedges in the desired position and then look the bolts tight.

In order to remove the die roll, take out the bolts L, then take out the wedges, and then back out and remove the yoke with its die roll and bevel gears complete.

The 'tOl'GgOillg applies more especially to the die rolls C and and the accompanying bevel gears; and in order to remove the die rolls C and C the additional step will be required of disengaging the flanges Z) and 0 by disengaging the short shafts B and B" from the power shafts B and B, which may be accomplished by removing the bolts holding the flanges b and I) together, and also removing the keys Z)".

The operative parts of a machine of this characterhave to be constructed with great precision, and it is ditlicult and expensive to effect the machining in such large parts as constitute the various bearing surfaces in the housing A. In order to avoid such machining I provide recesses n", a," and a in the housing, each recess having beveled side walls (1 and projecting lugs (1, for holding type metal or similar neutral con'iposition of metal 0'.

I further provide bearing plates M, machined to hear on one tare a g aiust the outer wedges I, and on, the reverse face having projecting lugs m to hold said plates in the type metal 0.

These bearing plates are then set accurately in their proper position in relation to the housing, each in wake of its recess in the housing. Melted type metal 0 is then poured into the recesses, fixing these plates permanently and accurately in. their desired position.

Theplates M are provided with guide ribs m on each side thereof to guide the wedges,

and the wedges are also provided with similar guide ribs to guide the corres mnding yokes, as shown most'clea rl y in Figs. 1 and 3,

In a similar manner I provide bushings N with their bearings machined on the inside accurately to fit the power shafts B and B- These bushings are placed accurately in their permanent position in wake of the annular recesses in the bearing bosses at the leit side of the housing A, as shown in Fig. 1, and melted type metal 0 is poured into the recess between the bushing and housing, fixing these bushings permanently and accurately in their desired position.

The form of die rolls and the method of making the same is illustrated and described in my application executed of even date here- With, and entitled Automatic die routing du- ,plicator for die rolls, filed No. 246,912. i

It will be obvious that in handling the heavy ,weights herein described, suitable July 2c, 1918, Ser.

nus-cranes or other lifting devices should be provided; but these are not a part of my present invention and will not be described herein. v i i I i While I have described the preferred'form ,10 of the invention it will be obvious that va- \IlOLlS modifications might be made in" the herein described construction, and in the combination and arrangement of parts which could be used without departing from the v spirit of my invention, and I do mean to limit myinvention to such details, except as I particularly pointed out in theclaims. n1 Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to secure -:by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:-

1 ,1-1. In a die-roll mill, the combination with a frame provided with a recess in its center,

i of a; plurality of symmetrically disposed yokes 1 each, detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly intosaid recess, die-rollsjournaled in said yokes, and means for rotating allof said die-rolls at the same rate of speed, substantially as described.

T310 2. In a die-roll mill,'the combination with,

aiframe provided with a recess in its center, of a plurality of symmetrically disposed :yokes, each detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly into said re- 1 1,35 cess, reversely disposed wedges interposed betweensaid yokes, and said frame, with means for'moving one wedge over the other whereby the corresponding yoke may be adjusted to wards oraway from the center ofsaid frame,

1 v40 die-rolls journaled in said yokes, and means for rotating all of said die-rolls at the same rate of speed,'substantially as described.

3. Inadie-roll mill,the combination with ,a frameprovided with a recess in its center,

$ of a plurality of, symmetrically disposed iyokes,each detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly into said recess, reversely disposed wedges interposed between said yokes and said frame, each wedge being provided with a lug projecting into a recess in the adjacent wedge andjsaid lugs, and said lugs being internally screw-threaded in reverse directions, with a right and left handed screw engaging said lugs, for moving one m'55wedge over the other wherebythe corresponding yoke may be adjusted towards or away fromxthe center of said frame, die-rolls .journaled in said yokes, and means for rotating all of said die-rolls at the same rate of i speed, substantially as described.

4. In a die-roll mill, the combination with a frame provided with a recss in its center, of :a plurality of symmetrically disposed yokes, each -detachably' connected to i said 165 frameand projecting inwardly into said recess, each yoke being formed of two halves detachably connected to each other and to said frame, and each half yoke being provided with ajournal bearing for the corresponding die-roll, die-rolls journaled in said yokes, and means for rotating all of said die- ,rolls at the same rate of speed, substantially as described. p

5. In a die-roll mill, the combination with a frame provided with a recess in its center, of a plurality of symmetrically disposed yokes, each detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly into said. recess, each, yoke being formed of two halves detachably connected to each other and to a frame provided with a recess in its center,

of aplurality of symmetrically disposed yokes, each detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly into said recess,each yoke being formed of two halves detachably connected to each other and to said frame, and each. half yoke being provided with a journal bearing for the corresponding die-roll, reversely disposed wedges interposed between said yokes and said frame, each wedge being provided with a hip; projecting into a recess in the adjacent wedge and said lug and said lugs being internally screw-threaded in reverse directions, with a right and left handed screw engaging said lugs, for movingone wedge over the other whereby the correspondingyoke may be adjusted towardsvor away from the centor of said frame, die-rolls journaled in said yokes, and means for rotating all of said die-rolls at the same rate of speed, substantially a-sdescribed. w

' In a die-roll mill, the combination with a frame made of a single rough casting provided with a recess in its center," and with a plurality of cavities filled with fusible metal, with hearing plates mounted over the recesses of fusible metal contained in said cavities, of a plurality of. symmetrically disposed yokes mounted over said bearing plates and each detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardlyinto said recess, die-rolls journaled in saidyokes, and means for rotating all of said die-rolls at the same rate of speed, substantially as described.

8. Ina die-roll mill, the combination with a frame made of a single rough casting &

provided with a recess in its center, and

with a plurality of cavities filled with fusible metal, with hearing plates mounted over the recesses of fusible metal contained in said cavities, of a plurality of symmetrically disposed yokes mounted over said bearing plates and each detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly into said recess, reversely disposed wedges interposed between said yokes and said bearing plates, wit-h means for moving one wedge over the other whereby the corresponding yoke may be adjusted towards or away from the center of said frame, die-rolls journaled insaid yokes,and means for rotating all of said die-rolls at the same rate ofspeed, substantially as described,

9. In a die-roll mill, the combination with frame made of a single rough casting provided with a recess in its center, and

with a plurality of cavities filled with fusible metal, with bearing plates mounted over the recesses of fusible metal contained in said cavities, of a plurality of symmetrically disposed yokes mounted over said bearing plates and each detachably connected to said frame and pro ecting inwardly into said recess, reversely disposed wedges interposed between said yokes and said bearing plates,

each wedge being provided with a lug projecting into a recess in the adjacent wedge and said lugs, and said lugs being internally screw-threaded in reverse directions, with a right and left handed screw engaging said lugs, for moving one wedge over the other whereby the correspondingyoke may be adjusted towards or away from the center of said frame, die-rolls journaled in said yokes, and means for rotating all of said die rolls at the same rate of speed, substantially as described.

10. In a die-roll mill, the combination witha frame madeof a single rough casting provided with a recess in its center, and with a plurality of cavities filled with fusible metal, with hearing plates mounted over the recesses of fusible metal contained in said cavities, of a plurality of symmetrically disposed yokes mounted over said bearing plates and each detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly into said recess, each yoke being formed of two halves detachably connected to each other and to said frame, and each half yoke being provided with a journal bearing for the corresponding die-roll, die-rolls j ournaled in said yoke, and means for rotating all of said die-rolls at the same rate of speed, substantially as described.

11'. In a die-roll mill, the combination with a frame made of a single rough casting provided with a recess in its center, and with a plurality of cavities filled with fusible metal, with hearing plates mounted over the recesses of fusible metal contained in said cavities, of a plurality of symmetrically disposed yokes mounted over said bearing plates and each detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly into said recess, each yoke being formed of two halves detachably connected to each other and to said frame, and each half yoke being provided with a journal bearing for the corresponding die-roll, reversely disposed wedges interposed between said yokes and said frame, with means for moving one wedge over the other whereby the corresponding yoke may be adjusted towards or away from the center of said frame, die-rolls journaled in said yokes, and means for rotating all of said die-rolls at the same rate of speed, substantially as described.

12. I11 a die-roll mill, the combination with a frame made of a single rough easting provided with a recess in its center, and with a plurality of cavities filled with fusible metal, with bearing plates mounted over the recesses of fusible metal contained in said cavities, of a plurality of symmetrically disposed yokes mounted over said bearing plates and each detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly into said recess, each yoke being formed of two halves detachably connected to each other and to said frame, and each half yoke being provided with a journal bearing for the corresponding die-roll, reversely disposed wedges interposed between said yokes and said frame, each wedge being provided with a lug projecting into a recess in the adjacent wedge and said lugs, and said lugs being internally screw-threaded in reverse directions, with a right and left handed screw engaging said lugs, for moving one wedge over the other whereby the corresponding yoke mav be adjusted towards or away from the center of said frame, die-rolls journaled in said yokes, and means for rotating all of said die-rolls at the same rate of speed, substantially as described.

13. In a die-roll mill, the combination with a frame provided with a recess in its center, of a plurality of symmetrically disposed yokes, each detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly into said recess, reversely disposed wedges interposed between said vokes and said frame, one of said wedges being provided with guide ribs engaging the other wedge and the yoke, with means for moving one wedge over the other whereby the corresponding yoke. may be adjusted towards or away from the center of said frame, die-rolls journaled in said yokes, and means for rotating all of said die-rolls at the same rate of speed,'substantially as described.

14:. In a die-roll mill, the combination with a frame provided with a recess in its center, of a plurality of symmetrically disposed yokes, each detachably connected to H said recess, reversely disposed wedges interposed between said yokes and said frame, one of said wedges being provided with guide ribs engaging the other wedge and the yoke, each wedge being provided with lug pro ectin into a recess in the adjacent Wedge and said lugs, and said lugs being internally screw-threaded in reverse d1rec tions, with a right and left handed screw engaging said lugs, for movingone wedge over the other whereby the corresponding yoke may be adjustedtowards or away from the center of said frame, die-rolls journaled in said yokes, and means for rotating all of said die-rolls at the same rate of speed, substantially as described.

15. In a die-roll mill, the .combination with a frame provided with a recess in its center, of a plurality of symmetrically disposed yokes, each detaciiably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly into said recess, each yoke being formed of two halves detachably connected to each otheand to said frame, and each half yoke being provided with a journal bearing for the corresponding dieroll, rcvc-rsely disposer-l wedges interposed between said yokes and said frame, one of said wedges being provided with guide ribs engaging the other and Wedge and the yoke, with means for moving one wedge over the other whereby the corresponding yoke may be adjusted towards orjaway from the center of said. frame, die-rolls .journalled in said yolres, and means for rotating all of said die-rolls at the same rate of speed, substantially as described.

16. In a die-roll mill, the combination with a frame provided with a recess in its center, of a plurality of symmetrically dis posed yokes, each-detachably connected to said frame and projecting inwardly into said recess, each yoke being formed of two halves detachably connected to eachother and to said frame, and each half yoke be-v ing provided with a journal bearing for the corresponding die-roll, reversely disposed wedges interposed between said yokes and said frame, one of said wedges being pro vided with guide ribs engaging the other wedge and the yoke, each wedge being pro vided with a lug projecting into a recess in the adjacent wedge and said lugs, and said lugs being internally screw-threaded in re verse directions, with a right and left handed screw engaging'said lugs, for moving one wedge over the other whereby the corresponding yoke may be adjusted towards or away from the center of said frame, die

rolls journaled in said yokes, and means for rotating'all of said die-rolls at the same rate of speed, substantially as described.

17. in a machine of the character described, the combination with an integral main frame made of cast metal and provided of recesses filled with fusible with a series metal, of a bearing body mounted on the of said fusible metal, and having a smooth bearing surface, whereby a nicely adjusted bearing surface is provided for the working parts of the machine in an otherwise-rough casting, without the necessity for special. machining or other finishing processes, substantially as described.

18. In a machine of the character described, the combination with an integral main frame made of cast metal and pro-- vided with a series of recesses filled with fusible metal, of a bearing body mounted on the face of said fusible metal, and having lugs projecting into said fusible metal and holding said bearing body firmly in place, said bearing body being provided with a smooth bearing surface, whereby. a nicely adjusted bearing surface is provided for the working parts of the machine in an otherwise rough casting, without the necessity for special machining or other finishing processes, substantially as described.

19. In a machine of the character oescribed, the combination with an integral main frame made of cast metal and provided with series of recesses filled with fusible metal, of a flat bearing plate mounted on the face of said fusible metal, and having a smooth bearing surface, whereby a nicely adjusted bearing surface is provided for the working parts of the machine in an otherwise rough casting, without the nece sity for special machining or other fi11lSl1- .ing processes, substantially as described.

20. In a machine of the character described, the combination with an integral ture.

WILLIAM BARNUM COWLES. 

